Warner Park

✨ Chapter Sixteen | Perfectly Imperfect

— Andrew —

Vince drove us back to his house after Detective Brinkman left.

And yes, I packed an overnight bag.

I caved. I was staying with Vince. At least for the night... just one night to start. That's what I told him, despite his insistence that I stay until my apartment was "safe."

I packed light: a toothbrush, some soap, clothes, a book, and my yoga gear.

It wasn't that I didn't want to stay with him, I absolutely did. But it was the principle of it all. Maybe I was being stubborn, but I wasn't some damsel in distress. I could've changed the locks myself tomorrow morning. Staying at Vince's was a luxury, not a necessity. I could take care of myself.

But then he looked at me with those puppy-dog eyes, full of worry and concern, and I caved. Maybe, deep down, I really wanted the excuse... Those puppy eyes were a great excuse.

We were quiet on the drive to his house. By the time we got there, it was past lunchtime, the break-in had consumed the entire morning. Vince had promised to make us something to eat, and it was sweet that he was thinking about lunch when I totally wasn't.

The number of times we locked eyes at red lights with the music playing low was enough to drive me insane. I'd never felt this kind of tension with anyone in my life. Now that I knew Vince felt the same, I couldn't fathom how either of us was keeping it together.

We both knew what was happening tonight, right? Now that we were together?

When we got to his place, we took turns showering. While Vince was in the bathroom, the sound of running water and the thought of him in there, naked, drove me to the brink of madness. I tried to distract myself by pretending to read my book on the couch, but I couldn't focus. It took every ounce of self-control not to barge into the bathroom and jump him.

When Vince finished, he made us coffee and sandwiches in the kitchen. He wouldn't let me help, so I ended up hugging him from behind, leaning my head against his shoulder as he toasted bread and chopped vegetables. He smelled so good... clean and warm and completely him. I closed my eyes, savoring the moment.

We talked about his movie as he worked. He told me about his upcoming press trip to New York and how he was flying his daughters out to spend a weekend with him. Their first time in the city. He was so excited.

I told him I was proud of him and how much I'd miss him while he was gone. Two weeks without Vince sounded impossible. Since meeting him, I'd never gone more than two days without seeing him.

I told myself it was good to have some space. Healthy, even. But the thought of not seeing him for two weeks still sucked.

He said he'd fly me out if it weren't for reporters and photographers constantly being around. It was too risky. He wanted to focus on the movie and figure out how to announce our relationship slowly after things settled.

I told him I couldn't leave anyway. My classes were booked solid for the next two months. I had responsibilities.

Vince finished the sandwiches, and I poured the coffee. Our lingering glances across the kitchen felt electric, every look sent my heart racing.

We sat at the table, quietly eating. We were only a couple of bites in when we both dropped our sandwiches at the same time and practically lunged across the table at each other.

In the chaos, I tripped over my chair, Vince spilled his coffee, and we grabbed each other like we'd die if we didn't.

He cupped my face, shoving his tongue into my mouth as I fumbled to pull off his hoodie. We broke apart just long enough to get our hoodies off before his mouth was on mine again, his lips insistent, his teeth grazing my bottom lip.